The Truth About “Vegan Leather” — And Why Moonshaft Chooses Ethical Leather
In the past few years, “vegan leather” has become a buzzword in fashion. Many brands highlight it as a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional leather, tapping into the growing demand for animal-free products. But behind the feel-good label, there’s a reality most shoppers aren’t told: the majority of vegan leather on the market today is made from PU (polyurethane) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) — both petroleum-based plastics.
The Problem with PU and PVC
While PU avoids the use of animal hides, it comes with significant environmental trade-offs. PU and PVC are non-biodegradable, meaning they persist in landfills for centuries and break down into microplastics that pollute our waterways and food chains. Their production process is chemical-intensive, releasing harmful solvents into the air and water.
What’s more, PU leather is far less durable than genuine leather. It often cracks, peels, or loses its finish within 1–3 years of regular use. This short lifespan fuels a buy–use–discard cycle that increases waste and overall carbon emissions — a far cry from the sustainable image many brands portray.
Why Ethical Leather Can Be the Better Choice
When sourced and processed responsibly, genuine leather can actually have a lower environmental footprint than PU over its full lifecycle. That’s because quality leather products can last for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
At Moonshaft, our leather is a by-product of the food industry — no animals are raised solely for their hides. We partner with reputable tanneries that follow responsible tanning practices, minimizing harmful chemicals and treating wastewater to protect local ecosystems.
Leather vs. PU: Environmental Impact
| Aspect | Real Leather (responsibly sourced) | PU Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | By-product of meat industry (no extra animals if sourced responsibly) | 100% synthetic, made from petroleum |
| Durability | Lasts decades with care; ages well | Often cracks/peels in 1–3 years, leading to faster disposal |
| End-of-life | Biodegrades over time (vegetable-tanned faster than chrome-tanned) | Non-biodegradable; breaks into microplastics that pollute waterways |
| Production pollution | Can be low if using vegetable/chrome-free tanning & controlled wastewater | Chemical-intensive manufacturing, emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds) |
| Waste cycle | Longer life = fewer replacements | Short lifespan = more frequent replacements, more landfill waste |
Longevity is Sustainability
We believe true sustainability isn’t just about the material — it’s about how long a product serves you. A well-made leather bag can be repaired, conditioned, and enjoyed for decades. Each extra year of use means one less bag that needs to be produced, transported, and eventually thrown away.
Our Commitment
By choosing Moonshaft, you’re investing in a bag that is ethically sourced, expertly crafted, and built to last. It’s a conscious choice — for you, for the planet, and for the people who make it.